Monday 30 June 2025,
16.30, Committee Room 8, Palace of Westminster
On Monday, the Environmental Audit Committee will hear from
environmental and housing regulators on their roles in helping to
deliver the Government's housebuilding agenda while supporting
nature recovery.
The Chief Executives of Natural England, the Environment Agency
and Homes England will give evidence at a time when ministers are
proposing to review and reform the role of arms-length bodies
across Government.
Members are likely to ask the Environment Agency and Natural
England how they will continue to protect the environment amid
the Government's aims to accelerate housebuilding, liberalise
planning regulations and “back the builders, not the blockers”.
They are also likely to ask about controversial aspects of the
Planning and Infrastructure Bill, such as new Environmental
Delivery Plans and changes to the mitigation hierarchy, which
campaigners say could downgrade nature protection.
With pressure on resources at Natural England, and a growing
shortage of skills in the construction and ecology sectors,
members are also likely to ask witnesses whether their
organisations have the skills and resources necessary to deliver
the Government's ambitions.
Witnesses
From 16.30:
- Marian Spain, Chief Executive, Natural England
- Philip Duffy, Chief Executive, Environment Agency
- Eamonn Boylan, Interim Chief Executive, Homes England
